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Mason aldermen flag multiple questioned payments in finance workshop
Summary
During a March 5 finance workshop, Mason aldermen questioned multiple 2024–25 payments, raised possible conflicts of interest and asked the mayor and staff for supporting invoices and corrected ledger allocations. Board members pressed for donation approvals and clarified fund splits for utilities-related payroll.
The Town of Mason Board of Aldermen spent much of its March 5 finance workshop scrutinizing 2024–25 expenditures and asking staff to produce supporting documentation.
Alderman Alethea Harris and others questioned several transactions, including a June 21, 2024 $350 check to Linnie Agnew (possibly a bore‑fee reimbursement), a $490 payment to Celia Chastain for holiday items, outstanding checks to Elaine Allen (check nos. 3941 and 3946), and a Mayor Eddie Noeman payment of $911.25 on May 30, 2024; Mayor Noeman said he "had receipts for everything." The board also noted that some payments were split between water and gas funds, which Vernetia said reflected how former staff keyed transactions.
Year‑2025 items drew particular scrutiny: Alderman Mary Mason questioned an $85 payment to Dees Automotives (6‑26‑25) and a $98.34 payment (check 6149) to Mayor Noeman. Alderman Harris identified 46 entries for Matalee ("Matt") Hall totaling $6,570 across accounts payable for equipment rental and fuel rather than payroll; Mayor Noeman told the board he would provide invoices backing those charges. Alderman Virginia Rivers also asked for the recipient of a $10,375 legal fee on July 25, 2025, which staff identified as Attorney Bicks; Mayor Noeman said he would pull the records.
Board members repeatedly asked that donations and small grants be presented to the Board and properly recorded in the budget. Alderman Rivers said the $3,500 donation dated 9‑11‑25 must show in the police grant line item; Vernetia said it was entered in grant funds but the Board asked for an ordinance amendment to clarify approval procedures. The board asked staff to provide detailed ledgers and credit‑card statements before the next meeting.
